Injured Danielson to continue in Tour de France

Victim of a bad crash yesterday and suffering a shoulder injury as a result, Garmin-Sharp’s Tom Danielson and the team doctors have decided that the he will take to the start of today’s fourth stage of the race.

The American was diagnosed with a separated shoulder yesterday and there was uncertainty about whether or not he would be able to continue in the race. We will see how he is doing tonight and tomorrow and make a call then as to whether he can stay in the race,” team spokesperson Marya Pongrace told VeloNation yesterday evening.

Fortunately Danielson has been deemed well enough to start, although his ongoing participation in the race will depend on how his body responds to the strain of racing.

The 34 year old rode his first Tour last year and finished eighth overall. He was the best American rider, and showed that he was capable of fighting for a top five finish. Confidence boosted, he structured his entire season around being in peak condition for this year’s Tour and showed solid form in the build-up to it.

He had been sitting 34th overall, 31 seconds back prior to yesterday’s stage. However his crash meant that he lost considerable time, and he trailed in nine minutes 11 seconds back in 175th place. Having started the race as one of Garmin’s three protected leaders, he will hope that his shoulder settles down over the next couple of stages and that he can ride for Giro d’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal in the mountains.

Pongrace said yesterday that the team doctors would work closely with the rider to determine the best course of action. Having given him a green light today, they will monitor his situation going forward. “Tom’s health is the priority here,” she said.

Today’s stage covers 214.5 kilometres between Abbeville and Rouen. It is flatter than yesterday’s stage, which should fortunately impose fewer out-of-saddle efforts on Danielson’s shoulder.